The smell of death, heavy. The silence deafening. And hatred, obvious. Despite it, she looked ahead, reddish brown eyes flickering with heat. Electronic pulses spread out like ripples across calm waters. Telling her everything she needed to know. With each breath, she took in the information. Her ears catch the distant voices, shuffling feet, and worried sighs.

Mikoto Misaka walked slowly and confidently. Every move is a predator's warning. Every step, silent as night as their boots, walked over the rocky surface. Crunch, crunch, crunch. Vita on her right, Nya on the far left, Aya beside her, Gallum, Rea, and her guards strolling a few steps ahead.

She rolled her eyes, took a deep breath, and slowly exhaled. Her mind thinks back. Wondering why she just couldn't have taken another mode of transportation. She could run faster than the others. Even fly. But no, Vita and the others insisted. They reassured her as they gently pushed her up on the wagon bench. The same wagon bench that slowly, brutally, and unforgivingly attacked her behind. She swore it was intentionally searching out and finding every gully and bump in the road. The small cushions she'd been given to sit on failed miserably. And the stench of the beast pulling them. Gritting her teeth, glaring at those large behinds, hairy tails slowly swung, and the stench wafted from them. She covered her nose and mouth for a few moments, fighting, gagging, forcing down the bile burning the back of her throat and the urge to barf. What made it worse? Vita looked as if she was having the time of her long life.

The wagons that had brought them slowed to a stop. The smelly hairy beasts tossed their massive heads and tusks, and thick strands of slobber flew into the air, stretching from their wide mouths. Pooling where they stood.

Looking less than pleased, Mikoto glared over at Vita. Who was wearing a smile? Obviously, enjoying the moment. "Are you enjoying this? She asked. She was obviously not, rubbing her stinging behind.

Little misaka sitting in her recliner, drink in hand, attractive woman by her side. Her looks are hidden behind a world war I gas mask, images flickering across the small circular glasses. Little misaka, wearing the same, spoke in a muffled hollow tone. "They really, and I mean really, stink." The woman next to her nodded.

"At least you're not sitting behind it," Mikoto grumbled, hand covering her nose and mouth. Fingers digging into her cheeks. "ah...technically I am."

Vita tied off the reins, breathed deep, and exhaled. Her eyes flickered with excitement, her voice echoing it. She laughed, "I love them.." shaking her head and jumped off the wagon. She landed near silent, walked over to one beast, and smacked its' behind. An annoyed grumbling from the beast and a quick flick of its heavy rope-like tail. Vita ducked, snatched its tail, and took a few steps, rubbing her hand along its coarse hair and letting it go without harm.

She turned, looking like a child at a birthday party. Mouth opened, fangs catching the light of the two suns. "reminds me of following the Napoleonic armies into Russia." She gave the beast a good scratching. Deep moans and grunts followed as she stepped into it. Enjoying it. She gave a quick few smacks. " Yes. Yes…"

Mikoto rolled her eyes, mouth, and nose covered as she jumped from the wagon. "why couldn't we just walk?" she asked, displeased. Stretching on the tips of her boots, hands raised to the sky. She took a quick exhale, regretting her next breath of air. She grimaced as she rubbed her bottom again.

"or fly," little misaka said. Mikoto nodded, eyes getting wide. "And didn't Napoleon lose that campaign?" she smirked.

"details, details." Vita waved her off. Ignoring the sarcasm, "good times…" her eyes glimmered, the corners of her mouth pushed up blushed cheeks. "I've always enjoyed Russian food."

"Shoulda known," Mikoto murmured back. Vita nodded.

"Vampires," little misaka chuckled. "and hurry!" Letting a growl slip, "We're gonna hurl!" the woman in the gas mask held a lovely ceramic bowl.

"front or back. Not sure that will help," making her way to the front. Narrowly avoiding its' shaking head, a chunk of snot flew to the surface in loud plops.

A quick eek! and an unceremoniously less than graceful jump by any vampire queen in the history of vampire queens. Slobber flew, leaving a light sheen of snot across her thighs.

"did you just eek?"

"Shut up,"

They were greeted. The moment flooded with anger and hate. A massive horde stood, shoulder against shoulder, rage filling their eyes and faces. She remembered them. Well, not these particular ones. The others were long dead and burned. A wall of beasts, with boars' heads, large snouts, and tusks, small bony spurs pushed through thick lionlike manes of hair and tumbled down their back. Her eyes tinged red, remembering the others.

The hunting party chasing down young ones. The memories of scared, chirping cries for help. The joy those hunters expressed filled her with contempt. A deep tremor in her throat. The memory played. The smell of the jungle, the silence of it as it watched. The quick pattering of a fleeing young one. The kills she made became fresh in her mind. The fear of death and the smell of blood. And the taste of blood. The gentle nudging, whimpering. With a soft touch of her hand, it was gone.

"that had to be…."

"Maka," little misaka whispered. "and they called us ugly!" she growled, whipping off her mask. Fierce expression with large glowing red eyes, veins popping, and quickly slumped to her knees. "It still stinks." With her gas mask still on, the woman gently patted her head. "thank you," she whimpered.

Mikoto wasn't the first to approach, but another. Rea moved without a sound, guards following as she walked to the horde and stared. Mikoto stepped, but Vita quickly shook her head. "She's been doing this for a while." She whispered, "Every tribe who we have come in contact with. She is the one who does the talking." A smirk. "she is the priestess of the goddess of Mikoto." eyes laughing. "And the queen of the empire." Biting her tongue, Vita nodded.

"move," Rea didn't ask, more like commanded, taking a step forward. Guards steeled and followed. Nya, Aya, and Gallum stepped, hands on their hilts. She glared at them, eyes fixed and cold.

A rise of aggression rolled across the horde. Like a welcomed cool breeze on a humid night. Loud grunts, stomping feet, and slamming fists against their chest. Snarling faces. But Rea didn't budge. Stepping forward, "So be it." thinning eyes, she lowered her head, baring her teeth in a challenge. "We can do this the hard way."

There was no hard way. As if waiting for the right moment, it happened. A calculated move? Or coincidence?

A horn blasted, and they quickly stopped, giving way grudgingly and creating a path.

They walked as the crowds surged, with snarly faces, the enemy, trying to take away their way of life. Each pair of eyes thinned, cold. Arms taut, knuckles white, holding weapons. A wall of hate, waiting, hoping to collapse and crush them.

The smells of the camp were nothing special. Normal, perhaps. The animals, the filth, and decay. Much of it was because the horde was surrounded by a large army. Unable to move and leave the remains to decay behind them. They were used to moving. Striking and moving to a new location. Huts made for transportability. Heavy cloth and wood. Circular. Hundreds of them set up in a protective circle. Mikoto figured the main tent, the king's tent, was at the center of the camp.

She watched as she walked. The electronic pulses, nose sniffing. A deep breath and whispered. Vita turned and looked over, and her shoulders sagged. A long sigh followed.

Just beyond the crowd, she smelled a large pot boiling. one of many in the camp. Chunks of pale white rolling steam hissed as the water fell into the fire. Then she knew. How? Small, tiny hands, eyes pale and lifeless, like a dumpling being boiled.

"guess we know how they?" she felt her anger rising. Looked at Mikoto, the crimson in her eyes getting darker. She'd claimed it all.. she remembered. Meaning everything was under her protection. She, the determining factor between life and death. Gritting her teeth, her jaws beginning to hurt. She saw them, and in her mind, she saw them running, fear rising. Captured, imprisoned, and boiled alive.

The bitterness burned in her throat, and Mikoto bit down. The taste of iron filled her mouth. Little misaka spoke to calm her. "We are fixing the problem." She said in a warm whisper with eyes shut tight. "Let Rae and the others fix it." Taking a breath. "And if they can't, then we will." She exhaled, slowly opening her eyes. a thick shade of crimson red. Licking her lips and fangs. "Ready for dinner."

A calm façade. A thin veil and just underneath. The anger swelled like a balloon about to pop. Her fangs itched. The taste of them is tempting. "If they want something to eat… how about I show them?" Nails extended. A deep, calming breath. A lie, but it helped.

It didn't last.

It was like walking barefoot in the grass and stepping on a sharp rock. She froze, muscles tightening, stomach churned. It came from somewhere. And reached inside her chest and clenched her heart. Quick, high pitch chirping. Excited, the rattle of iron on iron. A cage. Eyes flared. Its cry burrowing deep. "oh! Shit!" little misaka knew. Felt it was about to pop. A tremor ran through her body.

An average vampire increased their numbers by biting, but only royal vampires gave birth to young vampires, young royal vampires, like her children. Twins such as Aoi and Asami were both fathered by Kamijou Touma. Miranda and Ysabeau, fathered by Ronan Watanabe. The young ones used chirps, guttural calls, and their scent for help when they were in danger. A call deeply rooted in all-female vampires. They cry for help; every female vampire within hearing distance will answer.

It tore at her. The wanting, the need to rush to its aid.

"Vita!" Mikoto whispered, hands pushing against the tightness of her chest. She'd already moved. A hole where she had crashed into the crowd. Bodies rolling and tumbling. "That'll bruise," little misaka spoke.

She reached the cage. The chirping was quick and loud. The screech of iron on iron, pain, resistance, and release.

The chirping had barely entered her ears. Her mistresses' words followed close behind. And so was the rage in her voice. She hadn't commanded or ordered. She was moving before. Experience had taught her well.

Vita knew and moved in its direction. Little ones crying for help. Little ones sense and cry out to their mothers. Mothers in this realm bare the children. Old enough and big enough to rush out into the jungles, find a strong father, and when it was time, they returned to their mothers. She, herself, had fathered a few. Without pause, the direction quickly opened up, and she plowed threw them.

She hit the crowd like sumo, bodies flying, and found the iron cage. The little ones bounced and chirped. She knew her mistress was on edge. Knew that blood would stain the ground. Four little ones pushing their face against the cold iron bars, hands stretching. Tiny hands grabbed her legs and whatever they could. Snatched the iron and pulled. Muscle swelling and straining. The iron bars bent and screeched.

A dark figure on the periphery of her sight quickly lunged. Vita snarled and roared. Face dark and twisting, and the bars broke. She swung the iron gate feeling a little resistance and a dull thud as sent the dark figure flying. Blood and a lump of flesh rolled across the ground. The little one burst forward and rushed through the closing path.

Three moved to the strongest among the group. Mikoto bent down as they plunged against her legs. Chirping wildly, like excited puppies, rubbing their small faces against her legs. The fourth moved passed her and towards her and grabbed her legs. Nya looked down at the little one, eyes all smiles. "hello, little one.." she said.

A quick flash of her steel. The katana at her hip flashed upward, slicing through one of them as if he were trying to claim it. His fading eyes wide, a thin red line seeped out from his throat, chin, and forehead. A gurgle of blood and air mixed as he split in two. She held the katana high above her head and quickly brought it down. Wiped away the blood and put it away in a single motion. "Mine." She said, bending over and bringing the little one up to her and holding it close. "mine.." she said, glaring.

A hesitation followed. and their angry glares turned to fear.

"professional," Mikoto whispered, feeling the urge to slaughter fade. Aya and Gallum readied with their hands on the hilts. "show off," Rae whispered, half smirking.

"I am telling you.. she is a wolf in wolf's clothing." Little misaka said. "barely saw the strike!" she said, standing near a few big screens watching a slo-mo replay. "she didn't even look. Just felt him and drew… look at that form!"

"Nothing to worry about? Mistress."

"Hmm.."

Vita approached. Her eyes faded red. Her cheeks splatted with blood. A sheen across her mouth. "A little snack." She said, wiping the red sheen from her mouth.

Mikoto's eyes swirled in browns and reds as she calmed. She was kneeling, the little ones pressed as tight as possible.

"let me take them, Father?"

With those words came a surge of warmth, a quick beat of her heart. Warm flush across her cheeks.

"Maka? You're here." Mikoto blushed, smiling as she stood. "I thought you weren't coming with us…."

"we," she looked at Kea, "had a few things to do first. And we can take them to the port city if you like?"

The three young ones raised their heads like chicks and chirped. Mikoto nodded, patting each on the tops of their heads.

It was an itch in the back of her mind. Distant and growing closer. And she finally knew. But first, she had to tell her father.

They were on the wagons when she walked over and looked up. Mikoto was fidgeting. Annoyed and uncomfortable, shifting her hips back and forth. She bit her tongue, hoping to hide the smile growing across her face.

"Father?" she spoke, putting her hand on her leg. Mikoto fretted her brow, forgetting the discomfort, and looked worried. Maka smiled, "I'm not going. I have something I have to do."

"What? I thought we could…"

Maka's smile widened, and her eyes glowed, seeing her father's expression soften. "It's nothing. I just have something I have to do… but I will join you…."

"What?" again, concern coming to the surface. A soft pain of rejection. Of wanting to spend some time with her. Lips and cheeks colored pink. "I thought that?" The color of her eyes softened, her voice trembling just a little. Maka thinned her eyes. "Cute attack will not work on me, Father." Thinning her eyes and mouth. But She wanted to laugh. With a quick breath, Mikoto sighed. "I am not trying to cute attack you. I just"

"LIAR!" Little misaka screamed inside her head.

Mikoto bit her lip, disappointedly sighing, "Fine… maybe I was."

"You were. Father." She chuckled, "But I promise I will be back soon."

"Promise.?" she asked. Words dripping in childish remorse. Mikoto thought it would work. Her children often used it with so much success the wolves would try it too.

Maka nodded. "I will watch her," Kea said, slipping behind, wrapping her arms around her waist. Put her chin on her shoulder.

"Fine… but be careful," Mikoto said.

A quick wave to the others, and they walked away and disappeared into the crowd.

They made it through the city and finally to the port. It was jammed as more ships had arrived. Maka and Kea quickly slipped through the crowds to the river's edge.

"And what is this? Something you need to do." Kea asked, annoyed. She was baste. Psychics by nature, but was having trouble gleaning what she was doing. Kea didn't like it. Maka smirked, seeing the frustration of her partner. "Weeeeelllllll"

"And when have you been able to block me? She asked.

"Since the beginning.." giving a quick wink.

Fretted brow, eyes rolling with thought. "But…."

"Take my hand. Maka whispered, holding out her hand and wiggling her fingers. "We're going for a swim."

"A swim? How.. hey!" a quick tug and cold water swallowed her as Maka jumped into the water. Kea wrapped her arms around her waist and held on. Her lungs burned as she held her breath. "I can't!" straining lungs.

"Yes, you can," Maka whispered in her mind. "Just breathe. I've got you."

"I can't…." the air burst from her mouth and nose. Panic, then calm. She could breathe. It was like she was encapsulated inside a layer of air. Each breath was warm. "I told ya." Maka chuckled.

They broke the surface. A welcomed warmth spread across their faces. Kea yelled, wiping the water from her eyes, and quickly splashed Maka's face. "Why didn't you tell me?"

"I did," she said.

"Before, I nearly drowned!"

"didn't I.." she said, putting her finger on her chin, looking a little forgetful. "I wouldn't let that happen to you…." Maka said.

"Nor would I.." a woman's voice.

She was on the edge of the river. The port city was just a dot on the horizon. The beginning of new growth jungle begins to sprout. A slight wind and no sound, just the waves lapping against the jagged shore. She was leaning back on her hands, legs in the water. Head tilted, golden eyes and mane. Glimmering scales covered her petite form. A flickering of the sun's light shone like diamonds.

Out of habit, Kea tried to reach her mind. Filling quickly with chaotic flashes and pain and warm, wet darkness. The smell of hot springs and mist. And an explosion, as pain surged inside her head. Kea dropped to the ground, blood seeping from her eyes and nose. Gripping her skull, throbbing pain.

"Mother!" Maka yelled, "She didn't. She's my.."

The woman closed her eyes and sighed, "I know what she is… and who she is…" exhaling." You shouldn't try to look inside someone's mind without permission. " speaking without regret.

The pain receded and disappeared.

"Even your mother couldn't see inside." She said unapologetically.

"you knew Mother?" Kea was on her hands and knees, panting, staring at the wet ground. Blood pooled where it dropped from the nose and eyes. Maka kneeled by her side, pulling her hair away from her face, consoling her.

"Mother, you shouldn't have.." worried and caring, filling her words.

"I have done nothing. She jumped inside before I could…."

"But still."

A sigh. The woman shook her head. "Oh, to be young again. How about? We just talk about why I summoned you here."

"Fine.. mother, but.." Maka, still angered.

"I am not the one who caused her pain. Would you blame the rock if she stubs her toe?" She asked. "well…?"

"If the rock intentionally moved in her way, I would. If the rock.."

"Wow..you really are your father's daughter." She said with warm laughter giving way. "Did I not direct you to her when you were a little one? Did I not console you when she had her issues? Was it, not me when she was angry you came running to? I am not such a meany that.."

"You really are playing… what is it that Vita says? To the hilt..like a?" Maka grinned maliciously, "A diva!"

The woman laughed, water rippling from her legs. It rolled and surged, becoming rough seas. The winds swirled. The waves splashed. Thrown into the air. The sound of her laughter brings black clouds moving across the empty skies. made of heavy black strokes, thunder crashing, and lightning flashing. The rain fell, small and light at first, then larger and heavier. Her mother looked up at the skies, droplets slipping over her face. Bits and pieces of lightning scampered across her mane. Golden eyes getting brighter. She was happy. She could feel her mother rolling with laughter. Flashes of moments in the warm mist, lying next to her father. Golden eyes watching from underneath the jungle foliage. Moving by her side as she ran, worried and afraid. Her mother's embrace, warm words, and kisses. She was there. When her father was having her doubts. When she collapsed. She'd always been there.

Kea felt it, looking up at the storm, feeling the warmth of the rain, no matter the size, striking her face softly as a mother's caress. The crimson stain faded, rolling to the surface.

"Dragon?" she whispered.

The woman cocked her head and winked. The storms quieted, the black clouds separated, and the twin suns shone in the spaces in between.

"Maka, my daughter, I need to talk to you.. and Kea, you might as well listen too. Considering this one will not hide anything from you…. most of the time." She smiled. "oh, I taught her how to block you… so," she shrugged. "it is about your father."

Maka and Kea took the young ones. Nya nuzzled, whispered in its ear, and gently put it on the ground. It chirped, and the others responded. Mikoto, listening for any more replies. Vita put her hand on her shoulder, shaking her head.

Maka, worried, hiding something, watched her father. She took a deep breath, "Don't worry, Father… mothe…. "biting her tongue, "the others are fine." Kea quickly responded. "Nothing to worry about." She said, taking the hands of the two, turning, and walking away. The third tugged Maka's arm to follow. But Maka held firm. "I just wanted you to…" she wanted to say her mother was protecting the others in the camp.

"what is it?" Mikoto asked.

Sigh, she dropped her chin and looked at the young one pulling her arm. "it can wait," she murmured. Picked up the little one and ran to Kea's side.

Mikoto watched her walk away. Little misaka speaking in her mind. "I think she wanted to tell us something important?"

"Yea," she said, feeling sad. "Something bothering her." Biting her lip, sighed.

"She will be safe."

"I know."

"You know what?" Little misaka asked.

"Huh… you said she would be safe.. and I said I know."

"I didn't say anything." Little misaka said with a shake of her head. Taking a drink, she wiped her mouth.

"What do you mean you didn't say anything? I distinctly heard you say… she will be safe."

"I said no such thing."

Mikoto, expression hard, cocked her head, listening. "Are you sure?"

"Yep." Little misaka watching, searching, running her fingers along the screens. "Nothing… this is like…"

"Let's go…" Rea said, looking over at Mikoto.

She had her arms across her chest, eyes thinned and glaring. A feeling of authority rose above her like storm clouds.

"See," Vita spoke with pride. Eyes glittering, cheeks bloomed.

Mikoto nodded, scanning the crowd. "I know. I heard a voice." A breath, "just like in the jungle."